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Aquae ferventes…

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Photo by: Fabio Renzoni

The oldest inscriptions uncovered in Pergine
read AQUAE FERVENTES SIVE NINFAS. Signs
of Etruscan-Roman civilization have left a profound mark – and not by
chance – on this area, which has always been intersected by some of the
longest, most important roads. The very name Pergine seems to be of Etruscan
origin. Among the various vestiges of the past, this lead sheet with an
inscription dedicated to the gods of water – aquae ferventes – stands
out. Worship in this area was inspired by the springs that bubble up to the surface and the powerful jets of
carbon dioxide in the springs of Poggio
Bagnoli. Much later, in the modern age, these would also become well-known for
their industrial use in carbon dioxide recovery.

Chapter #2

Culture and traditions

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Photo by: Fabio Renzoni

All of us know full well that water flow makes one think about the
passage of time – in its own way, it prompts us to reflect on our memories. So
it’s really no coincidence that in Pergine you’ll find the Cultural Center of Memories and Contemporaneity. The center
includes the civic library, the historical archives, video and photo archive,
the Cardini plot (for cinema) and a huge collection of documents on local
identity: they span recurring cultural events, film festivals, and the European
cultural village, all the way up to the Robert
Katz Archive. The archive – donated by the City of the recently deceased
American writer and journalist – documents important aspects of Italian history
from the second half of the twentieth century, coming from the perspective of
an attentive observer, keenly aware of Italian political happenings. The Center
aims to support the community’s cultural
needs and conserve the memory and key traces of local identity.

Chapter #3

The Oil Road and Bandella nature reserve

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Photo by: Fabio Renzoni

Among the most carefully guarded “memories”
of our local tradition are olive growing
and production of renowned
extra-virgin olive oil. This historic work is such a key part of our
tradition that it’s literally shaped our land: you can see how that looks and
what that means by exploring the Via
dell’Olio (Oil Road), an approximately 10km loop.

If you want to continue exploring nature,
another ideal spot to check out is the Nature
Reserve of Bandella, which protects the stretch of the Arno River between
the Levane and Ponte Romito dam. The river waters here spill out calmly,
forming a lake known as the Lago di
Levane. This is the true heart of this beautiful protected area. In various
periods of the year, you can observe numerous bird species.